14 LOVE-ly Acts of Kindness in Honor of Valentine's Day.

Just like that January is pretty much gone and it was a memorable one, everyone! Vivian turned 4 and we had a small birthday party dinner for her. She was so excited and so good at the same time waiting at the right moment to blow her birthday candle. Hopefully within the next week I will have a little recap of her birthday. 

Valentine's day is a week away and with that in mind, I figured to compile a list of 14 LOVE-ly, kind things to do for Valentine's day. Some of these are for you, some for your significant other, some for your kids and some for others. It is important that you always do acts of kindness, even more so in February which is considered the month of love. Plus there has been so much scrutiny, negativity, hate and disagreements lately if you hear the news and the media, since the inauguration of a new president, this post couldn't have been more timely!

14 LOVE-ly Acts of Kindness in Honor of Valentine's Day (in no particular order):

For yourself:

1] Give yourself a manicure, a pedicure or a facial. You can do it yourself or go to a spa and have it done. Or you can choose a body massage instead. Treat yourself. You deserve it! I am sure you work hard. Trust me I could use a body massage myself.

2] Eat out by yourself. Indulge yourself with a 4-course meal at one of your favorite restaurants, including a glass of wine and dessert, under the company of your book or your cell-phone if you prefer. Eat slowly and don't let anyone rush you and at the end of your meal, make your server's day by leaving him or her a fat tip.

3] Buy yourself flowers. Beautiful flowers don't have to come from others only. You don't have to expect them from your partner or spouse. Buy some for yourself, this way you choose your own blooms too and make a bouquet however you like.

For your partner/husband/significant other:

4] Take a night off and away from home and spend it at a nice nearby hotel, have some champagne and dessert in bed and indulge yourself in a Jacuzzi.

5] Get a short-term gym membership or take a physical activity class (like kickboxing, yoga, aerobics or swimming) together. This will make it easier for you to go to the gym and you will have someone to go and exercise with, when you go.

6] Buy your husband some flowers. Men are usually the ones that buy flowers for women, turn that around, don't be the stereotype. Better yet buy him an elegant new tie too and wrap it as a bow on his bouquet.

7] Cook him a special dinner at home and make it a romantic dinner night in. You don't always have to go to a restaurant to have a nice dinner. Cook him what he loves, set up the table nicely, light some candles around, put some good music on the background and wear a nice dress and put makeup on. I guarantee you, it will end up being a wonderful evening for both.

For your child/ren:

8] Go on a movie date with them. There are several nice children movies out now. Make it a night to remember for them and let them choose the treats and drinks.

9] If you have a girl or girls, have a dance party at home with your daughter/s, in the comfort of your pajamas. After, surprise her with a little makeover, let her do your makeup and vice versa. You can even let her wear your shoes and jewelry. Little girls always love their mom's heels.

10] Go on a lunch or dinner date with your child. Be the good mom and let them have dessert even if they didn't finish their meal. It is OK every now and then to do so. It is not the end of the world.

For your co-workers:

11] Start off their morning right by bringing them coffee, donuts or bagels. If you don't want to spend as much, bring in a box of chocolate truffles, like Lindor's. Everyone loves chocolate.

12] Help them with a work task without letting them know first. For example finish that excel spreadsheet for them; come in to work early and organize their office; or buy some new office supplies (pens, pencils, binders, erasers, etc). and put them in their offices before they come in the morning.


For strangers:

13] Next time you are at Starbucks or your local cafe, buy the coffee for the person who is in front of you, in line. It is only a few bucks but it makes you feel good. They will appreciate it and it is a great way to start off the day.

14] Take one morning and write a few simple notes and put them on the windshields of strangers' cars. Some of the messages you could write are (examples): "Have a nice day!", "You are doing great!", "God bless you!" "You are doing good work!", "Let sunshine brighten your day!" etc, etc. I don't know about you but if I saw a message like this sitting on the windshield of my car, it would put a smile on my face.